DMX512 has two twisted pair data paths, what is control cable although the specification currently only defines the use of one of the twisted pairs. It also recommends that systems ground the signal common at only one point, in order to avoid the formation of disruptive ground loops. A DMX512 universe is made up of 512 channels, with each channel containing a value between 0 and 255. Each slave device in the chain can "look at" a different set of channels in order to be controlled by the master controller. A DMX512 network is called a "DMX universe". Some DMX slave devices have built-in terminators that can be manually activated with a mechanical switch or by software, or by automatically sensing the absence of a connected cable. Veri Cable offers a wide variety of power cables, in more than 100 series, based on trends and personal preferences. The company’s product range consists of a variety of cables such as industrial cables, flexible cables, high voltage power cables, telephone cables, LAN cables, and fiber optic cables.

DMX512 data is transmitted over a differential pair using EIA-485 voltage levels. DMX512 uses a unidirectional EIA-485 (RS-485) differential signaling at its physical layer, in conjunction with a variable-size, packet-based communication protocol. If your TV or display uses HDMI port, you'll need to use a video cable adapter that supports video playback, like this adapter from Apple. The control or Aim Cable connects to the top and bottom cam and NOT to the axle pin bushings located on the outer limb tips. Aim Cables have one end that connects to the cam and the other to the inside of the limb on the axle pin. Smaller controllers may have a single OUT connector, enabling them to control only one universe, whereas large control desks (operator consoles) may have the capacity to control multiple universes, with an OUT connector provided for each universe. Each OUT connector on a DMX512 controller can control a single universe. Each slave device has a DMX512 "IN" connector and usually an "OUT" (or "THRU") connector as well. The electrical characteristics of DMX512 cable are specified in terms of impedance and capacitance, although there are often mechanical and other considerations that must be considered as well. Network wiring consists of a shielded twisted pair, with a characteristic impedance of 120 Ω, with a termination resistor at the end of the cable furthest from the controller to absorb signal reflections.

A network consists of a single DMX512 controller - which is the master of the network - and one or more slave devices. A push-pull control cable transmits motion by compressing or pushing in one direction and pulling or tensioning in the opposite direction. Use of the three-pin XLR in this context firstly presents a risk of damage to the lighting equipment should an audio cable carrying 48-volt phantom power be accidentally connected, and secondly encourages the use of cable following analog audio specifications for DMX, which can lead to signal degradation and unreliable operation of the DMX network. Additionally, terminating the DMX line often exposes physical cable faults - for example, if the "Data −" wire is broken, an unterminated DMX run may partially work, while fitting the terminator immediately exposes the problem. False triggering may be caused by electromagnetic interference, static electricity discharges, improper cable termination, excessively long cables, or poor quality cables. Fixed installation products with internal connections to the data link may use the 5-pin XLR connector, but shall not use any other XLR connector.

When a non-XLR connector is used, this Standard makes no other restriction or stipulation on connector choice. DMX512 is a standard for digital communication networks that are commonly used to control lighting and effects. It quickly became the primary method for linking controllers (such as a lighting console) to dimmers and special effects devices such as fog machines and intelligent lights. A terminator is a stand-alone male connector with an integral 120 Ω resistor connected across the primary data signal pair; this resistor matches the cable's characteristic impedance. The original DMX512 1990 specified that where connectors are used, the data link shall use five-pin XLR style electrical connectors (XLR-5), with female connectors used on transmitting (OUT) ports and male connectors on receiving ports. When use is made of the 5-pin XLR connector, the requirements of 7.1 and 7.1.1 shall apply. 1) The alternate connector shall not be any type of XLR connector. A concession to use an alternate connector is available only when it is physically impossible to mount a 5-pin XLR connector on the product. The use of any other XLR-style connector is prohibited.